Abstract

This study utilized Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) to examine the connections between Practicing Buddhist Beliefs (PBB) and Lifelong Learning Competencies (LLC), aiming to understand the relationship between spirituality and learning. The analysis involved two sets of variables: Set 1—PBB, comprising four belief-related variables (Belief in Karma, Belief in the Consequences of Karma, Belief in Karma is One’s Possession, Belief in the Buddha Enlistment), and Set 2—LLC, including eight competency-related variables (Communicative Competence in Native Language, Communicative Competence in a Foreign Language, Mathematical Basis Competence in Science and Technology, Digital Competence, The Competence of Learning to Learn, The Competence of Social Citizenship Awareness, The Competence of the Sense of Initiative and Entrepreneurship, The Competence of Cultural Awareness and Expression). The results showed significant correlations between the two sets of variables. Notably, Belief in Karma and Belief in the Consequences of Karma were strongly negatively related to the first canonical variate in Set 1—PBB, while displaying moderate positive relationships with the second canonical variate. For Set 2—LLC, all variables displayed moderate inverse relationships with the first canonical variate. Additionally, Proportion of Variance Explained (PVE) analysis highlighted the importance of specific variables in explaining variability in both Set 1—PBB and Set 2—LLC. In conclusion, this CCA study provides insights into the interplay between PBB and LLC, contributing to our understanding of spirituality’s role in education. These findings have implications for future research and educational practices in the context of spirituality and personal development.